Congressional Nursery Tour at Brazos Citrus Nursery

​The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association recently helped bring a congressional district tour to Brazos Citrus Nursery in West Columbia, about 60 miles southwest of Houston. The nursery is owned and operated by George Shackelford, a second-generation citrus grower who also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, and the visit included staff from Congressman Troy Nehls’ office who came out to see firsthand how citrus is grown and managed here on the Gulf Coast.

Background: The Place, the People, and the Issues

George Shackelford and his wife, Leah, welcomed everyone with coffee and donuts and took time to share the family history behind the nursery and what makes their operation unique

The conversation covered challenges that growers across the green industy are dealing with every day, including:

• Workforce shortages tied to H-2A and H-2B visas
• The need for a strong, workable Farm Bill
• The importance of nursery crops to Texas agriculture

George also shared how dramatically the citrus industry has changed, explaining that Texas has gone from more than 100 citrus growers to just three in the past 15 years. Ongoing threats like canker and greening have made tree production risky and expensive, needing a lot of investment, patience, and determination. George’s operation stands as proof that with enough grit and commitment, it’s still possible to make citrus work in Texas, but not without challenges.

The Tour

​The tour kicked off by hopping into George’s truck and heading out to several greenhouses on the property. Before anyone stepped inside, staff got their first surprise: a decontamination chamber, where they were lightly sprayed with a human-friendly sterilization solution to prevent the spread of disease.

​From there, it was through a series of double doors and powerful fans designed to keep any outside contamination from entering, followed by an overhead door for extra precaution. George explained that these steps may seem intense, but they’re necessary to protect young citrus trees.
 
Inside the greenhouse, staff were met with rows of beautifully manicured three-gallon citrus trees, lined up neatly and thriving. George walked everyone through the careful, step-by-step process he follows to make sure every tree meets the highest standards before it ever leaves the nursery. One detail that caught the congressional staff’s attention: citrus trees in his nursery don’t see direct sunlight until they’re ready to be transported to market, a testament to just how controlled and intentional the growing process is.

​As the tour continued across the property, it became clear just how much planning, precision, and hands-on care go into producing healthy citrus trees, long before they ever reach a customer.

The Shackelfords

​From the moment you meet George Shackelford, it feels less like a business visit and more like stopping by a family member’s place. He has a genuine, down-to-earth way about him that immediately puts people at ease. That humility is matched by a deep understanding of the citrus industry and an ability to adapt as the business and regulations change.
 
By his side is his wife, Leah, who keeps a close eye on the financial side of the business and knows exactly how the operation is performing. Together, they make a strong, well-balanced team. George also serves on the TNLA Board of Directors, representing growers and bringing their perspective to the table.
 
While citrus is the heart of the nursery, George also works in bamboo and other fruit as a wholesaler. A walk around the property reveals a few surprises as well, including exotic deer and well-fed cattle. The cattle actually started as a school project for their daughter, who decided she wanted to show cattle. George admits he questioned it at first, but today he has no regrets.

Why District Tours Matter

​District visits like this are a critical part of TNLA’s advocacy strategy. They allow policymakers and staff to see real businesses, hear directly from our members, and better understand why science-based policies matter for the green industry. George’s resilience and commitment to Texas agriculture shows the dedication required to operate in today’s environment. 

Interested in Hosting a Tour?

​Reach out to us to learn how TNLA can help coordinate a visit and showcase the impact of your business and our industry on the State of Texas. 

Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team 
​

Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected]
Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected]